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Limpopo

Limpopo Information Directory

Once named the Northern Transvaal, Limpopo is one of South Africa’s nine provinces and the fifth largest, as well as being the most northern. Name changed and taken from the Limpopo River that runs through it, Limpopo is a province filled with beautiful things to do and see. Polokwane is its capital city, a hive of businesses and people.

With over 50 provincial reserves and private game reserves and with the Waterberg mountain range forming a large part of the province; visitors enjoy coming here for the peace and tranquillity it brings. Bordering Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana, Limpopo is the ideal stop-over before venturing into Africa.

Typical to African landscapes, Limpopo is stunning. During summer it is hot with cooling afternoon showers and in winter the days are sunny with cold clear evenings. It is a region of scenic beauty with a variety of natural and manmade attractions.

Limpopo has a diverse landscape made up of mostly bushveld - an area of mixed grasslands and trees. The largest section of the Kruger National Park can be found along Limpopo’s eastern border. This coupled with semi-desert, open savannah and subtropical vegetation, makes for interesting ventures.

South of Limpopo is the Soutpansberg mountains, where there is a diverse network of habitats with over 300 indigenous tree species. This area is known to have the highest concentration of leopard to be found anywhere in the world.

The Soutpansberg and Waterberg mountains are found within the province and are excellent tourist attractions. There are a number of tourism routes and trails that are open for visitors to appreciate the magnificent flora and fauna of this region.

Limpopo is made up of five regions strategically located according to the cultural inhabitants :

The Capricorn region is named after the Tropic of Capricorn and is the central region home to the Bapedi People. The region stretches from the Ysterberg, along the foothills of the lush Wolkberg, to the tropic of Capricorn in the north. The region’s position makes it a perfect stopover between Gauteng and the northern areas of the province.

Dominated by Vatsonga people and known as the Valley of Elephants, Maponi forms part of the northern most section of the Drakensberg. The Olifants River runs through the region and is filled with wildlife and complete with untouched wilderness.

This region derived its name from King Skhukhune who was king of the Bapedi people in the 18th century. The Sekhukhuni region is today dominated by the Bapedi and Ndebele people and is known for its farming of grapes, sweet potatoes, maize and cotton.

This region encompasses the Waterberg mountain range and is a region of natural beauty and diversity of landscapes. A large portion of this region forms part of the conservation area of white rhinos and elephants. Waterberg is also the largest region of Limpopo and is home to the Batswana people.

Activities and Attractions in Limpopo

Located in the savannah biome, Limpopo has many activities and attractions centered around the outdoors.

Living museums are a wonderful way of gaining knowledge and Limpopo is home to the Bakone Malapa Museum (Nr Polokwane) and the Tsonga Open-Air Museum (Nr Tzaneen) - excellent for day trips.

The province has interesting historical sites such as the relics of the Stone Age San, as well as it being steeped in the myth and legend of the Venda culture. Ancient civilisations can be rediscovered at the Mapungubwe World Heritage Site. As part of the Mapungubwe National Park, there are San rock paintings, fossilised dinosaur footprints amongst other fascinating historical remains.

The Limpopo River offers boundless watersport pursuits from canoeing to fishing. Additionally there are a multitude of well-stocked streams for those avid anglers.

The Soutpansberg has great hiking and climbing opportunities for all fitness levels. Limpopo offers seasonal hunting expeditions run by various game farms in aid of culling the animal population. This has sparked the rumour of Limpopo having the best selection of biltong (dried meat) in South Africa! View the advertisers in our activities directory for more information of what is on offer.

Some attractions to the area are :

Makapansgat Valley - linked to the history of the Cradle of Humankind

Modjadji Cycad Nature Reserve - Lobedu Mountains near Duiwelskloof, some of the oldest and largest cycad

Limpopo’s famed Baobab trees

Limpopo is famous for its Baobab trees, with the biggest one in the world situated here. Baobab trees are extremely large African trees sometimes described as “upside-down trees” due to their shortened branches that look more like roots. These trees grow very slowly and can live thousands of years. The Baobabs have hollow trunks providing homes for many animals. Some of the Baobabs in Limpopo are rumoured to be more than 3000 years old.

Accommodation in Limpopo

Top-class lodges, excellent hotels, large self-catering houses and camping – all well maintained and well placed for a wonderful and comfortable holiday experience. The hospitality industry in Limpopo is second to none. See all on offer in the accommodation directory.

Business in Limpopo

Limpopo is linked to the Maputo Development Corridor through the Phalaborwa Spatial Development Initiative. This network of rail and road corridors connected to the major seaports, has opened Limpopo up for trade and investment.

Polokwane International Airport enables visitors from all over to gain easy access into the province. The capital and Thabazimbi are the province’s two major mining centres while Tzaneen is mostly tea plantations, forestry stations and tropical fruit farming.